THREE NON-IRISH nationals have been arrested for questioning after half a kilo of liquid cocaine was seized at a house in Drumcondra.

The drugs — which have an estimated street value of €35,000 — were concealed in a Christmas gift package of aromatherapy oils.

Gardaí and officers from Revenue’s Customs Services carried out the raid yesterday.

‘Liquid cocaine’ is manufactured using cocaine powder, which is then processed with ether for shipment.

Dealers then carry out a process to extract the powder, once it’s in their possession.

It’s appearance in Ireland is “not a new development” according to Customs investigator Robin Broni.

“Finds are made fairly regularly around the world,” Broni said.

“It’s not something we’d come across every week, but we have made seizures of it before — stored in shampoo bottles and that sort of thing.”

Investigations on the Drumcondra raid are ongoing, and files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

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